Skin light exposure control methods

Abstract

This invention relates to methods and apparatus to control the light exposure of the skin. One objective is to increase the exposure during periods of common deficient exposure such as for dark skin persons on winter days in areas far from the equator. Another objective is to decrease the exposure during periods of common overexposure such as for light skin persons during spring and summer days in bright environments. A novel feature of the invention is the use of lamps for whole body irradiation while showering or bathing during dark seasons. The whole body exposure enables the use of very low irradiance levels to provide an enhanced probability of beneficial effects and to reduce the possibility of harmful effects of the ultraviolet light. Another novel feature is the use of an adjustable ultraviolet light transmitting building window or automobile sunroof to increase the sunlight exposure on cold days when a deficiency in exposure due to closed windows is common. The increase in ultraviolet exposure enables a reduction in intake of possibly harmful excessive dietary vitamin D. Intake of foods containing antioxidants reduces the possibility of harmful effects of additional ultraviolet light. The overall objective is to provide an appropriate day-to-day balanced and moderate light exposure of the skin along with a suitable diet and exercise to increase the probability for good health.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A light fixture providing adjustable ultraviolet radiation and light in an indoor environment comprising: a fixture body portion having means for mounting the fixture upon a wall or ceiling, means for supporting at least one fluorescent lamp which emits visible, infrared and ultraviolet radiation within said fixture; means for supporting at least one blocking diffusers which diffuses visible radiation and which absorbs UV-B radiation within said fixture; and means for moving said diffusers relative to said fluorescent lamp to adjust the amount of radiation emitted from the fixture. 
     
     
       2. A light fixture according to claim  1  wherein a pair of fluorescent lamps are located within said fixture. 
     
     
       3. A fixture according to claim  1  wherein at least two movable diffusers are provided in said fixture, each of which is movable to control the amount of radiation exiting from the fixture. 
     
     
       4. A fixture according to claim  1  including means for mounting said fixture on a vertical wall facing upwardly. 
     
     
       5. A fluorescent lamp fixture according to claim  1  comprising: a longitudinally extending mounting box; means attached to said mounting box for mounting a fluorescent lamp; means for mounting incandescent lamps on said mounting box; means for mounting a reflective means integral with said mounting box; and electrical control means for turning on and off said incandescent lamps and said fluorescent lamp, whereby said fluorescent can be utilized in dark periods of time to obtain ultraviolet skin exposure and wherein during other months said incandescent lamps can be utilized. 
     
     
       6. A light fixture according to claim  1  providing adjustable ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation for a hospital bed comprising: a fixture body portion having means for mounting the fixture upon a wall or ceiling; means for supporting at least one fluorescent lamp within said fixture; means for supporting blocking diffusers within said fixture; and means for rotating said diffusers relative to said fluorescent lamp to adjust the amount of radiation emitted from the fixture. 
     
     
       7. A light fixture according to claim  1  providing adjustable ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation in an indoor environment comprising: a fixture body portion having means for mounting the fixture upon a wall or ceiling; means for supporting at least one ultraviolet lamp within said fixture; and means for controlling exposure time. 
     
     
       8. An lighting device according to claim  1  providing adjustable ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation during exercise in an indoor environment comprising: means for supporting at least one lamp and means for controlling said lamp exposure time.